By Steny Hoyer (D), Southern Maryland's U.S. Representative and House Majority Leader
One year ago on November 7, Americans voted for change, putting Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate. Since then, Democrats have changed Congress from being a rubber-stamp for the Bush Administration to being a New Direction Congress. We have passed legislation that strengthens our national security, will restore the American Dream, and makes government more open and accountable. This one-year mark is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fighting for the American people. Our work is not yet done, and we will not stop fighting for the issues important to Americans: health care for children, changing direction in Iraq, and investing in priorities like education, cops on the beat, and medical research.
This week, the House passed important legislation that will protect American workers in a rapidly changing, global economy. The Trade and Globalization Assistance Act improves job training services and health benefits for workers who have lost their job due to outsourcing through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. This program will assist displaced workers manage health care costs and learn new skills to prepare them for reentering the workforce.
The House also continued to make progress on the appropriations process, appointing conferees to prepare a conference report that will make critical investments in education, medical research, and veterans' health care. While President Bush continues to make veto threats, Democrats are committed to investing in our nation's top priorities in a fiscally responsible manner that does not increase the debt.
Next week, the House will vote to override the President's veto of the Water Resources Development Act, which makes necessary investments in projects that facilitate economic development, provide ecosystem restoration and protect human life and property. The House will also consider the Homeowners' Defense Act, which ensures the availability and affodability of homeowners' insurance coverage to help prepare for and recover from damage caused by natural catastrophes.
The House will soon vote on a fiscally responsible tax relief bill that will protect 23 million American taxpayers from being hit with the Alternative Minimum Tax. Protecting American taxpayers and being fiscally responsible are not mutually exclusive goals: Democrats have worked to ensure that this AMT "patch" does not add to the national debt, rather than continuing the Republicans' borrow and spend ways.
Sincerely yours,
Steny H. Hoyer
MAJORITY NEWS UPDATE
One Year Later, Democratic-Led Congress Is Leading America in a New Direction
Yesterday, Hoyer joined House Democrats in highlighting the accomplishments of the 110th New Direction Congress, while also noting that there is still more work to be done.
http://majorityleader.house.gov/media/press.cfm?pressReleaseID=2070
Hoyer: The President Looks Desperate on Children's Health Insurance Coverage
On Wednesday, Hoyer responded to comments made by President Bush on children's health care, saying that while Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue to work together to reach a compromise, the President stands in the way of 10 million children receiving the health care they need.
http://majorityleader.house.gov/media/press.cfm?pressReleaseID=2066
Hoyer Testimony to Senate Budget Committee on Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action
Hoyer testified before the Senate Budget Committee to discuss new legislation by Senators Conrad (D-ND) and Gregg (R-NH) that would create a bipartisan task force to address our nation's long-term fiscal challenges.
http://majorityleader.house.gov/media/press.cfm?pressReleaseID=2065
Hoyer: TAA Bill an Investment in American Workers
The House passed legislation this week strengthening the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which Hoyer called an important investment in American workers and communities who are hardest hit by today's global economy.
http://majorityleader.house.gov/media/press.cfm?pressReleaseID=2067
Hoyer Announces Quick House Action to Override President's Veto of Water Resources Development Act
Hoyer announced today that the House will vote on Tuesday to override the President's veto of the Water Resources Development Act, saying that he hopes it will again receive a strong vote in the House and Senate.
http://majorityleader.house.gov/media/press.cfm?pressReleaseID=2075